What is Ipecac Bulimia?
Ipecac is a syrup that is most commonly used to induce vomiting, usually after a toxic substance was accidentally ingested. Smaller doses of it are also found in many cough syrups as it is an expectorant. When Ipecac syrup is ingested, it begins to stimulate the central nervous system and stomach. The nausea results in vomiting approximately 20 to 30 minutes after ingestion. Some people with eating disorders may turn to Ipecac abuse as a means of controlling or losing their weight. It’s termed “Ipecac abuse” because Ipecac is a single-use medication, meaning it should only be taken once, never on multiple occasions. People suffering from Ipecac abuse will normally use it daily or many times a day to eliminate ingested food from the body through vomiting. Since the Ipecac is the vehicle for inducing purging, the condition is called “Ipecac bulimia.
